2018 Volkswagen Polo GTi preview

The upcoming 2018 Volkswagen Polo GTi hatchback has been spotted driving around in Europe. Now we are not exactly sure why VW has decided to already come with a revision, since their most recent GTi is from 2015. Possibly VW wants to move the GTi to a higher price range and really take on the battle with other sporty vehicles in its segment. To be able to do this the GTi needs to be revamped inside and out. New technology, more premium interior and quite possibly a sharper exterior too.

What we’ve seen from the 2018 Volkswagen Polo GTi is a carefully covered prototype. The main features are distinct, but more than that was not revealed to us. In 2017 the standard Polo will be unveiled and we might get a few more clues as to what the car is going to look like and what features it might offer.

Exterior design

As stated before, the car has been driving in a complete disguise. Although the Polo GTi was covered in a tight-fitting fabric it’s difficult to make an actual prediction about what hides underneath. As is visible on the spy shots the form and shape of the 2018 Volkswagen Polo GTi do not deviate from the 2015 Polo GTi. So, don’t expect a revolutionary new design, but more of the same with some premium detailing. We expect the Polo GTi to feature a larger grille and sharper headlights, a big trend in the current automotive designing. The lower air vents will remain the same and will also feature the current hexagonal structure.

Another thing we expect is more premium wheels. The biggest available wheels on the current Polo GTi are already rather large and the silver rims emit a tenacious vibe. Even so, since VW wants to increase the Polo GTi’s value we expect even bigger and tougher wheels. In the end, they do contribute a great part to a car’s appearance. Also, expect new bumpers and possibly even lower sideskirts. VW won’t forget about the red detailing, this will be prominently features on the 2018 Volkswagen Polo GTi too.

Interior design

Now the interior is the part where Volkswagen is really going to make cuts and slices. This is where their traditional Polo will truly be raised to higher levels. In these times, automotive technological knacks are being developed at lightning speed. For example, until three years ago, there were almost no cars that sported an infotainment screen. Nowadays, almost every newly released car offers one and more options are developed every day.

Things that will be revised are the dashboard, which will be a completely new look. We expect a minimalistic look, to keep up with trends and some chrome or silver finishing touches. On the dashboard are the air conditioning vents that will also be revised. Also, the whole centre console is going to be redesigned from the ground up with on top an infotainment screen of at least 9 inches. This will enable the GTi to compete with other cars in its segment and price range.

The steering wheel comes now with more controls and a sportier look with a better material finish. Moreover, the seats can’t stay behind in the glamour treatment and will be ergonomically designed and made with quality material and stitching. Leather is certainly going to be available too expect the traditional red GTi stitching as a finish and ambient cabin lighting.

Engine specs

We are not even close to certain about what engine VW is going to put in their 2018 Volkswagen Polo GTi. For now, there are two plausible that VW could go down. One option is an updated version of the current GTi’s turbocharged, 1.8-liter four cylinder engine. This engine is good for 189 HP, but with a few tweaks here and there could be brought up to 200 horsepower.
The other engine option might be a downsized 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder that is currently offered in the Golf GTi. The new Golf GTi is rumoured to have 260 horsepower. This means that the Polo GTi will be a good in-betweener when it can make around 200 or 210 horse power.

As soon as we are informed of new specs and stats around the 2018 Volkswagen Polo GTi, you will be the first to know.

Tech specs

Unfortunately, nothing has been confirmed or denied yet regarding the technology specifications of the Polo GTi. However, we can make a good guess based on the current Golf GTi’s.

There will definitely be smartphone connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available. Also, a rear view camera, cruise control and parking sensors. A very good safety feature is the Driver Drowsiness Detection, which is already standard on the latest Golf GTi. Multi Collision brake is also standard on that model. This feature steers automatically when a collision in front takes place.

Furthermore, we expect navigation to be standard on the 2018 Volkswagen polo GTi. Also, multiple USB-ports, Car-Net online services, Keyless Access and Park Assist. Optional or standard features will include: parking sensors and Side Assist that warns when there is traffic next to the car. Moreover, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist.

Price, reveal and sale date

The car will be revealed at one of the European Auto Shows next year, probably in the summer or fall. The car will then go on sale in Europe in late 2017 and in the US in early 2018. Pricing will be higher than the current Polo GTi. The tag will read around €25,000 in Germany and around $28,000 in the US.

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